President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), describing military expansion as critical to protecting the country's economic interests, particularly its tourism industry, and reinforcing investor confidence.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the president portrayed military reinforcement as a necessity of sovereignty, not a policy decision taken at discretion. He criticised previous administrations for allowing the MNDF to stagnate for more than two decades, arguing that national security depends on a capable defence force. The armed forces, he said, are central to the country's stability and a source of national pride. Maintaining them at full strength, he elaborated, is not merely strategic but a constitutional duty.
Acknowledging scepticism over increased military spending, President Muizzu rejected concerns that funds could serve private business interests. He characterised such doubts as lingering from past governance failures and insisted that his administration's investment in national security was focused solely on addressing longstanding institutional weaknesses.
The president detailed key defence priorities, pointing to the Maldives' vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where security risks such as piracy and illegal fishing persist. He stressed the importance of strengthening maritime surveillance to counter these threats and assist in locating missing vessels, describing these measures as critical to safeguarding national waters.
Aerial capabilities have been bolstered through the establishment of an Air Corps equipped with advanced drones. He described this development as a pivotal step, allowing authorities to conduct rapid surveillance over the nation's dispersed islands and monitor its extensive marine territory.
On land, the administration is expanding military resources through the acquisition of modern vehicles and equipment. At sea, a specialised boat unit is being formed, adding to the government's continued investment in maritime defence assets. Fire and emergency response capabilities are also being assessed, with the president highlighting the importance of funding the Fire and Rescue Service to ensure national preparedness.
President Muizzu argued that these reforms strengthen national security while demonstrating the Maldives' ability to uphold its own sovereignty. A country capable of defending itself, he asserted, reassures investors and reinforces economic stability, positioning the Maldives as a reliable destination for business.